The opinions stated in this article are solely those of the author and not of The Davis Clipper.

In a capitalist society, we look fondly at “idea men,” scientists and entrepreneurs who challenge our thinking. But not all ideas are good.

USA Today recently published as story on a business start-up by two Michigan college students named finalists for Entrepreneur magazine’s College Entrepreneurs of 2012 contest. The two even received a state business grant of $3,000 to pay patent expenses.

The concept? Star Toilet Paper, which prints advertisements on the sheets of paper. The advertising is cheap ($99 for 20,000 sheets) and no doubt the advertisers have a captive audience. But somehow I don’t think a coupon offering me 20 percent off a pizza or one free game of bowling would appeal to me while I sat on the toilet contemplating life.

“No one has ever tried to do this,” said one of the founders.

I say, “For good reason!” History is filled with flops. Here are a few:

Ten-Cent Beer Night: The 1974 promotion by the Cleveland Indians led to overindulgence, a riot on the field, and the Indians forfeiting the game.

Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential bid: Don’t worry Jon, you were looking for Republican moderates who expired with the dinosaurs. If it makes you feel better, former Texas Gov. John Connally spent $11 million in 1980 and got only one delegate for the GOP convention.

And then there was the marriage between Mamas and Papas singer Michelle Phillips and actor Dennis Hopper. She described the short hook-up as the “happiest eight days of my life.”

I have a suspicion that Star Toilet Paper will join these famous flops. Then again, what do I know? I thought Utahns were too bright to oust Sen. Bob Bennett and elect Mike Lee!